Hong Kong is removing its lifetime ban on gay men donating blood.
From September 25, men will be able to give blood as long as they have not had sex with another man in the past 12 months.
The Red Cross Blood Transfusion Centre announced yesterday that it was changing its guidelines, as supplies of blood in the territory fell to “an alarming level”.
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And the centre, which is the main blood bank in Hong Kong, called on citizens, including men who have sex with men, to donate as soon as possible.
“The BTS [Blood Transfusion Service] urges citizens to join in and support blood donation.
“Hong Kong needs more of its citizens to be ready to get involved in supporting and taking part in blood donation to ensure adequate blood supply.”
However, the restriction means that for many gay and bi men, it will be many months before they can contribute.
The BTS made the change after consulting with scientific research, according to local media outlet HK01.
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Data from Australia, the UK and the US since they changed their rules for men who have sex with men showed that it actually makes the blood supply safer, the BTS observed.
The UK’s Department of Health revealed last year that since the lifetime ban on gay men donating was thrown out in 2011, blood safety has increased.
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